WHAT IS THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified disabled individuals in all employment practices, including job application procedures, hiring, promotion and advancement, training, discharge, and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. The ADA prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of a disability in all programs, activities and services provided for or operated by state and local governments.
A.The ADA is a federal civil rights statute designed to remove barriers, which prevent qualified individuals with disabilities from enjoying the same opportunities that are available to persons without disabilities. Universities are covered in many ways under the ADA. Employment is addressed by Title I, accessibility provided by public and private entities by Titles II and III, and miscellaneous items by Title V.
A. The ADA was enacted in 1990 to address discrimination against persons with disabilities (see also the ADA homepage). Title II of the ADA provides that no individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, program, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity. OCR has primary responsibility for investigating Title II complaints. Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public accommodations, such as schools, operated by private entities. The Department of Justice has primary responsibility for enforcing Title II as it relates to education.
• A: The ADA was enacted in 1990 to address discrimination against persons with disabilities. Title II of the ADA provides that no individual with a disability – shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, program, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) has primary responsibility for investigating Title II complaints. Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public accommodations, such as schools, operated by private entities. The Department of Justice has primary responsibility for enforcing Title III as it relates to education.
